Tennessee is home to 19 sites on the EPA’s National Priorities List. The EPA’s National Priorities List currently includes 19 active NPL sites in Tennessee, with 26 total entries when proposed and deleted sites are included. The most hazardous site has an HRS score of 58.15 out of a maximum of 100. 7 sites have been cleaned up and removed from the list. The interactive map below shows all NPL sites in Tennessee – click any marker for site details, HRS score, and a link to the EPA’s site profile.
Superfund Statistics for Tennessee
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Active NPL Sites | 19 |
| Deleted (cleaned up) | 7 |
| Total NPL Entries | 26 |
| Highest HRS Score | 58.15 |
| Average HRS Score (active) | 49.8 |
| EPA Region | Region 4 |
Highest-Risk Superfund Sites in Tennessee
The table below lists the active NPL sites in Tennessee sorted by Hazard Ranking System (HRS) score. The HRS is a 0-100 scale used by the EPA to assess the potential threat to human health and the environment. Sites scoring 28.50 or above qualify for NPL listing.
| Site Name | City / County | HRS Score | EPA ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan Army Ammunition Plant | Milan, Carroll, Gibson | 58.15 | TN0210020582 |
| Memphis Defense Depot (DLA) | Memphis, Shelby | 58.06 | TN4210020570 |
| Oak Ridge Reservation (USDOE) | Oak Ridge, Anderson, Roane | 51.13 | TN1890090003 |
| Smokey Mountain Smelters | Knoxville, Knox | 50.00 | TND098071061 |
| Smalley-Piper | Collierville, Shelby | 50.00 | TNN000407378 |
| Walker Machine Products, Inc. | Collierville, Shelby | 50.00 | TNN000410124 |
| Former Custom Cleaners | Memphis, Shelby | 50.00 | TNN000402275 |
| Southside Chattanooga Lead | Chattanooga, Hamilton | 50.00 | TNN000410686 |
| Alamo Contaminated Ground Water | Alamo, Crockett | 50.00 | TNN000410203 |
| National Fireworks | Cordova, Shelby | 50.00 | TNSFN0407047 |
| Carrier Air Conditioning Co. | Collierville, Shelby | 48.91 | TND044062222 |
| Clinch River Corporation | Harriman, Roane | 48.03 | TND987768587 |
| Velsicol Chemical Corp. (Hardeman County) | Toone, Hardeman | 47.71 | TND980559033 |
| Murray-Ohio Dump | Lawrenceburg, Lawrence | 46.44 | TND980728836 |
| Arlington Blending & Packaging | Arlington, Shelby | 39.03 | TND980468557 |
Superfund Cleanup Progress in Tennessee
Tennessee has made measurable progress on Superfund cleanup: 7 sites have been fully remediated and removed from the National Priorities List. The remaining 19 active sites are at various stages of investigation and cleanup. EPA cleanup timelines vary widely depending on contamination type, site complexity, and the availability of responsible parties to fund remediation.
About the Superfund Program in EPA Region 4
The Superfund program, formally known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), gives the EPA authority to clean up contaminated sites that pose risks to public health or the environment. Sites are assessed using the Hazard Ranking System (HRS) – a score of 28.50 or above triggers NPL listing and formal cleanup proceedings. Tennessee falls under EPA Region 4, which coordinates Superfund investigations, cleanups, and community engagement for the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Superfund sites are in Tennessee?
Tennessee has 19 active sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Including sites that have been cleaned up and removed, the total NPL count for Tennessee is 26.
What is the most contaminated Superfund site in Tennessee?
Based on HRS score, the highest-risk active Superfund site in Tennessee is Milan Army Ammunition Plant near Milan, with an HRS score of 58.15. The HRS score reflects the site’s potential to harm human health or the environment through groundwater, surface water, soil, or air pathways.
How does the EPA decide which sites go on the Superfund list?
The EPA uses the Hazard Ranking System to score sites based on the likelihood of a release, the characteristics of the waste, and the people or environments that could be affected. Sites scoring 28.50 or higher are eligible for the National Priorities List. Once listed, sites become eligible for federally funded cleanup or enforcement against responsible parties under CERCLA.
Superfund Sites in Nearby States
Explore Superfund data for states bordering Tennessee: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia. For a national overview, see the US Superfund Sites map.
